CD44 overexpression as a mediator of drug resistance in oral cancer: a meta-analysis unveiling molecular underpinnings and therapeutic implications

CD44 overexpression serves as a molecular marker of therapeutic resistance in oral cancer, particularly associated with local tumor progression. These findings highlight CD44-targeted therapies as promising strategies to overcome treatment resistance. Future large-scale, multicenter trials are needed to validate CD44 isoforms as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.